First Baptist Church's History

The first religious services in Opp were held in a small building located on Covington Avenue . T. A. Goodwin, with helpers Sam Barnes and Mrs. B. C. Stewart for Sunday School teachers, called a group together in early 1901. As the interested worshippers increased in number, a larger building was sought, and W. S. Spurlin, a prominent figure in early Opp and for many years thereafter, offered his cotton warehouse for a meeting place.

Attendance at the services increased as the town grew. April 13, 1902, the Reverend A. T. Sims of Georgiana, Alabama and Elder John Bass Shelton came to Opp to assist the Baptist group in their organization. Twenty seven charter members constituted the First Baptist Church.

The church made definite plans to erect a church building. The old land deeds show that on July 8, 1902 R. Tillis and wife, W. T. Russell and J. E. Boyett conveyed to the trustees, Chairman J. D. Hester, J. A. McKenzie and G. H. Shreve a one hundred foot lot. By early spring of 1903, a wooden structure was completed. The building had a rather spacious auditorium with two small Sunday School classrooms. A number of lamps hung from the ceiling.

In May of 1902, a group of ladies met in the home of Mrs. T. E. Dalton and organized the first Ladies Aid Society with Mrs. Dalton as president. In 1911 the group became the Women=s Missionary Union. From that day on, women have played an important role in the life of Opp First Baptist Church.

By 1924, there was a great need for a larger and more modern church building. As a result of the efforts of early dedicated Christians who were willing to make sacrifices, members worship today in the beautiful brick building of Renaissance revival architecture.

To the west of the Sanctuary are two educational buildings. The first one was built during the pastorate of Reverend Sheppard Bryan in 1954. A second educational building was constructed in 1982 during the pastorate of Reverend James Pharr.

First Baptist Church, Opp, has had a significant heritage. The past decades of church history give evidence of God's multiple blessings. We are grateful for stalwart Christians who literally blazed the trail through thickets of pine trees to establish a place of worship and a Christian community. We realize that a dynamic church is never satisfied with its past accomplishments; therefore, the future holds great challenges for our church.

First Baptist Church Opp celebrated its 100th birthday in April 2002.